Alienware Launches Alienware Alpha Game Console

Dell has announced the launch of the Alienware Alpha, a new type of gaming console. The system boots up into the Alpha-UI, a special user interface that enables controller-based navigation instead of a mouse. The device is sold with a Microsoft Xbox 360 Wireless Controller and is compatible with most other controllers and peripherals.

Alienware general manger Frank Azor says in a statement, "We've been working hard this past year to break the mold and develop a system that finally brings hundreds of Steam games, including some really fun indie titles, to TVs. The team and I are excited to finally deliver our vision for big screen gaming and give our fans a console that delivers true next-gen performance with the flexibility to choose how, what and where they want to play."

Alienware says its worked with NVIDIA engineers to develop a graphics solution for the Alpha. The companies paired 2GB of GDDR5 memory to the Alpha's custom NVIDIA GTX GPU.

The Alpha console comes with the complete versions of Anomaly: Warzone Earth, Awesomenauts, Magicka, Metro: Last Light, Payday 2 and Strike Suit Zero. The system can be launched with Steam Big Picture for access to additional titles.

The Alienware Alpha starts at $549 and can be found here on dell.com. It is also sold at many retailers including, Amazon, Best Buy, Fry's, GameStop, Walmart and others.